Orally Dissolvable Strip Dispenser with Spool Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional packaging of orally dissolvable strips requires users to manually separate each strip from plastic separators, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for patients needing multiple medications daily, as it involves opening multiple packages each time.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with receiving spools and a force transfer apparatus that automatically separates the medicine strip from the plastic wrap material, collects the separators, and allows multiple dispensers to be connected for simultaneous dispensing with a single input, featuring a rotatable knob and a housing with a slot for the strip to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging with plastic separators is used, then strips are kept pure and from sticking, but users must manually separate and dispose of separators which is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system automatically performs the separation of medicine strips from plastic separators without user intervention. The mechanical components including the spool, channel, and housing work together to automatically advance and separate strips, eliminating the need for manual handling and disposal of separators.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser housing acts as an intermediary device between the packaged strips and the user. It contains the plastic separators and medicine strips, and through its internal mechanical structure (channel, spool, aperture), automatically manages the separation process, shielding the user from the tedious manual tasks while maintaining strip purity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bottles or packages are opened for multiple medications, then all required medicaments are available, but valuable time is lost and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser combines multiple medicine strip packages into a single integrated system. Multiple strips are stacked together in one housing, allowing all required medications to be accessed from one device rather than opening multiple separate packages, thereby saving time and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to handle multiple different medicine strips simultaneously within a single housing. The universal design allows it to accommodate various types of orally dissolvable strips, making it a multi-functional device that can dispense different medications through a single interface.
3Device complexity
If manual separation of strips from separators is required, then simplicity of device structure is maintained, but user error and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system automatically performs the separation of medicine strips from plastic separators without user intervention. The mechanical components including the spool, channel, and housing work together to automatically advance and separate strips, eliminating the need for manual handling and disposal of separators.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for an orally dissolvable strip includes a pair of receiving spools for receiving respective layers of wrap material that sandwich the orally dissolvable strip. A rotatable knob is coupled to the spools for actuating the spools. A force transfer apparatus is configured to rotate the second spool when the first spool rotates. A housing contains the receiving spools, force transfer apparatus, orally dissolvable strip, and layers of wrap material, the housing having a slot sized for the dissolvable strip to pass through. A coupling element is connected to a housing side wall configured connect the housing laterally to another housing side wall. A channel extends between a knob input aperture and a housing rear plate output channel. A drive shaft is positioned in the channel and configured to extend from the output channel and operatively couple the rotatable knob with a rotatable knob of another dispenser.